One vs Two HVAC systems

[ehud]

I am purchasing a new home and have been given the option of buying two HVAC units for the home versus the standard one system that comes with the house. The house will be approximately 3,00o square feet including the basement. There is a two story foyer so lots of interconnected space between first and second floor. I am not sure it is worth the $4,200 to get the second system. Any advice would appreciated. Thanks.

[dash]

Two stories ,two systems,or better yet a 2 or more "zoned" system.

Like a Carrier Infinity or other top of the line zoning system.

[BaldLoonie]

That is a cheap price for a 2nd system. You wouldn't believe how many people around here regret trying to do a good sized house with 1 system. I'd spend that in a flash if I were you.

[t527ed]

2 systems or a top of the line zoning system

[airworx]

one system with a 3 zone zoning kit.
cheaper installation cost and lower utility and maintanence cost

[beenthere]

Zoned or 2 systems will work.
I'd go with 2 systems myself.

[berad]

I generaly install two systems in a large home like that. Particularly when it has a open foyer or great room like yours. I throw some supplies on the ceiling of the foyer from the second floor system, supplies on the floor from the first floor system and place returns in a nearby hall or common area from both systems. This evens things out nicely. The pros and cons of 1 or 2 systems are about equal. My main point in two systems is if one goes down you always have the other one providing some comfort.

[arc8]

option of buying two HVAC units for the home versus the standard one system.
The house will be approximately 3,00o square feet including the basement.

There is a two story foyer so lots of interconnected space between first and second floor.


If no more than a 5-ton system is sufficient for the house, then there's nothing the matter with a single system.

3,000 square ft with a basement is not big!

Is this a split foyer or a tri-level house?

[hvacker]

The advantages of two systems are:
At night when asleep you're not cooling the whole house
During the day your not cooling the whole house.
When one unit runs your not bringing on a lot more horsepower than you need. EZ to balance over a large house with different loading. I wouldn't have any other way. Oh ya, and the equipment is going to last a lot longer as it's not running as much. Get some programmable t'stats so the unoccupied zones are off and you're money ahead.

[berad]

Originally posted by arc8
option of buying two HVAC units for the home versus the standard one system.
The house will be approximately 3,00o square feet including the basement.

There is a two story foyer so lots of interconnected space between first and second floor.


If no more than a 5-ton system is sufficient for the house, then there's nothing the matter with a single system.

3,000 square ft with a basement is not big!

Is this a split foyer or a tri-level house?

You're right, most of the homes I do are more like 3,000 sq ft plus a finished basement, but still two systems are a good way to go. I don't argue that a single system will do the home that we are speaking of. However the installing company needs to be proficient at air distribution design and implementaton to make it function properly. Not tooting my own horn but besides myself, there is one other company in my area that has a competent design and installation team. Most of the companies around my area are "rule of thumb" guys.

[RoBoTeq]

Two systems. Better humidity removal, better temperature control and if one goes down you have part of the house to retreat to.